February is a time where romance seems to radiate everywhere. I’m a romance reader to my core, but sometimes I’m not interested in reading about a happily ever after. So, for the February Book of the Month, I’ve decided to go a different route and discuss novels that aren’t classified as “romance.” Let’s get into it!
“A Dowry of Blood” by S.T. Gibson:
The fact that I haven’t talked about this novel until now is a crime. I received “A Dowry of Blood” for Christmas and, once I started it, I couldn’t put it down.
Everyone knows Dracula, but there is an untold story within that is often left in the shadows. The story starts with Constanta, the girl who begins as a peasant and becomes queen to an undying king
That being said, the story is in no way a romance. It is a gothic horror fantasy. With the dark and gloomy atmosphere, mixed with feminist and modern tone, it lends itself to a phenomenal and memorable story. My favorite part? Although she is his wife, she never once calls him by his name.
“The Housekeeper and the Professor” by Yoko Ogawa:
This year, I made a goal for myself to read more translated fiction. I’ve been nervous to do so, but “The Housekeeper and the Professor” seemed like a good place to start. I am happy to say that I proved this hypothesis to be true.
Imagine if you could only retain 80 minutes of memory at a time. One of the main characters, an unnamed professor, has been living this way for over a decade due to being injured in a car accident. He can remember everything from before his injury, but after, he can only retain 80 minutes at a time.
The housekeeper is a young single mom. She is the first housekeeper and manages to stay in the good graces of the professor. Eventually, he meets her son, who he nicknames Root.
With a plot like this one, I should’ve known that I would cry. Yet, I was still surprised when I was in tears finishing the book. For such a short read, it packs an emotional punch.
“The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:
If I’m not in a romance or fantasy mood, I always find myself looking for a thriller or mystery. “The Naturals” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a perfect blend of both!
The main character, Cassie, has always had a gift for reading people. She is able to figure out anything about anyone, but one day the FBI comes to her door looking to recruit her to solve cold cases, alongside other teens with special abilities.
However, when a new serial killer appeals in the mix, they begin to face challenges they didn’t anticipate ever having to deal with.
I absolutely devoured this book. I was hooked from start to finish and never wanted to put it down. It is important to note that there is a very small romance subplot, but it doesn’t become apparent until later in the series.
